The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has called for an immediate end to discussions on pig farming in the state, declaring that such activities regardless of scale are unsuitable for Selangor due to environmental, economic and social considerations.
The ruler’s position was conveyed in a media statement issued today by his Private Secretary Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani, amid ongoing public debate over a proposed large-scale pig farming project in Bukit Tagar, Hulu Selangor.
According to the statement, Sultan Sharafuddin reaffirmed that the issue has generated unease among residents and could undermine harmony if allowed to persist. The Sultan also welcomed recent remarks by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who had earlier urged the Selangor government to reconsider the project and later expressed opposition to pig farming ventures that risk provoking controversy or local objections.
The matter was discussed during an audience between the Prime Minister and the Sultan on Feb 8. The following day, Anwar reiterated publicly that development proposals lacking community support should not proceed.
Elaborating on the Sultan’s concerns, Mohamad Munir said pig farming carries inherent environmental risks, including air pollution, unpleasant odours and the potential contamination of rivers through waste discharge. The Bukit Tagar site, located near predominantly Malay residential areas and Felda settlements, was cited as an example of a project likely to trigger public resistance.
The statement further warned that the proposed location lies close to water catchment zones and river systems that serve as vital clean water sources for Selangor as well as the Klang Valley, including Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
While acknowledging claims that modern livestock technology could mitigate pollution, the Sultan stressed that the costs involved would be excessively high and may not justify the benefits. Moreover, the absence of absolute guarantees against environmental damage remains a significant concern.
Given Selangor’s limited land availability and high property values, the ruler emphasised that land use should prioritise developments delivering wider economic returns and social value to residents rather than livestock projects that may generate disputes.
As a practical alternative, Sultan Sharafuddin proposed that authorities explore issuing pork import licences to ensure adequate supply for non-Muslim communities, particularly the Chinese population, without exposing the state to environmental risks or prolonged community tensions.
The statement concluded with a call for all parties to respect the Sultan’s decree and work together to safeguard unity and stability across Selangor.
-THE MALAYSIA VOICE
